Many parents reach out to us because they want to help their children build more confidence. Why do we hear this so often? Because confidence helps in almost every part of life, for kids and adults alike. It helps kids stand up for themselves when someone’s bullying or pushing them around, instead of staying quiet out of fear they’ll get in trouble or someone won’t like them. It also gives them the belief they need to go after what excites them. With the rise of social media, this is a larger challenge for parents than ever before. Not only do kids deal with bullies at school, but they also have to deal with them online. 

I believe every kid is born with a gift, something unique they’re meant to share with the world. It’s incredible how different kids are. Some are meant to be dancers. Some will grow up to be lawyers. Others might become electricians. But if a kid doesn’t believe in themselves, they may never go after their dreams or share what makes them special. Our Academy slogan is “Develop the courage for greatness”. This came to me one day while I was washing dishes at home. It ties in directly with what I’m talking about, the idea that every kid has greatness in them, whatever that is, and that it takes courage and confidence to go for it. 

Not every passion becomes a career, and that’s okay. But even if a kid’s passion or greatness does not end up in a financially stable job, they can still express who they are. That’s why confidence is so important, and training in martial arts for kids is one of the best ways I’ve seen to build it. 

How Kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Builds Real Confidence 

So how does our program help kids build confidence? There’s a quote I love from Professor Renzo Gracie:

“When you first start Jiu-Jitsu, you’re going to be the nail. Over time, you become the hammer.” 

For those of you who don’t know who Renzo Gracie is, he’s one of the most respected figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and comes from the legendary Gracie family, the ones who helped build BJJ into what it is today. He’s a lifelong martial artist, a former MMA fighter, and someone who’s taught and trained all over the world. He’s also the person who gave my instructor, Professor Amal Easton, his black belt. 

So, back to how our jiu-jitsu youth program builds confidence, and to tie back into the quote by Renzo Gracie. When a kid starts training, they don’t know much yet. They’ll lose more than they win, especially against more experienced kids. That’s totally normal. What matters is how they respond. 

We teach kids how to win and how to lose. We encourage our new students to learn from mistakes, and we coach our advanced students to support them. After 6 to 12 months, new students start winning rounds and holding their own. That kind of growth, earned through consistent effort, builds deep confidence. 

Because kids’ BJJ and Muay Thai are so realistic, the skills kids gain on the mat translate to real life. If they ever face a tough situation at school or in the world, they’ll know how to take care of themselves. That kind of security gives them confidence that sticks. 

Confidence Through Connection 

We also put a lot of effort into building strong relationships between our instructors and students. If a kid is struggling with something at school, like being bullied, they know they’ve got our support. That alone can help them feel more grounded and less alone.

Confidence often comes from knowing someone has your back. Just like a police officer feels stronger with backup, or a teacher feels more supported with an assistant, kids feel more confident when they’re part of a team that lifts them up. 

Confidence Through Competitions 

Another way kids build confidence in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is through competing. Not every kid has to compete, but for the ones who choose to, it can be a really powerful experience. Competitions test more than just technique; they push kids to deal with nerves, pressure, and facing someone they’ve never trained with. Win or lose, that kind of challenge builds toughness and resilience. 

One of the biggest lessons kids get from competition is learning how to face fear and push through it. It takes courage to step out on the mat in front of a crowd and put your skills on the line. No matter the outcome, kids walk away knowing they did something hard, and that’s where real growth happens. 

We make sure our students are prepared and supported the whole way. Honestly, just signing up and stepping onto the mat is a huge confidence boost. As they keep competing, kids start to notice their progress. They see the results of their effort, and that confidence doesn’t just stay in the academy; it shows up at school, with friends, and in everyday life. 

Competitions aren’t about medals. They’re about building character. And when a kid realizes they can handle that kind of pressure, it’s a lesson that sticks with them for life. 

Final Thoughts on Kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Confidence isn’t something that just happens; it’s something we build together. That includes support at home, connection at school, and strong, consistent training in martial arts for kids like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing. 

Let’s help our kids grow into who they’re meant to be. Let’s support the gifts they already have inside them, and help make sure those gifts don’t get buried under fear or anxiety. 

– Professor Finnie McMahon